Detroit City Wire

A bill sponsored by state Representative Rylee Linting has advanced in the Michigan House Judiciary Committee. The legislation aims to address the issue of individuals fleeing from law enforcement, which has been a recurring problem in Downriver communities and across Michigan.

“People fleeing from the police is a huge problem across Michigan and throughout our Downriver communities. It’s something that unfortunately is in the news almost constantly,” said Linting, who represents Grosse Ile Township. “When this happens, people drive recklessly through neighborhoods, school zones, busy intersections, and other places where there is immense danger to the public and law enforcement officers who are in pursuit. People are killed or get seriously hurt. We need to give our police, prosecutors and judges the tools they need to hold people accountable for these actions, and this bill is needed step.”

House Bill 4690 proposes new mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines for fleeing and eluding offenses in Michigan. The bill keeps the current four levels of such offenses but introduces stricter penalties. For example, a first-degree offense would carry a minimum sentence of five years imprisonment under the proposed changes. A fourth-degree offense would require at least 30 days in jail if the offender has a prior conviction for fleeing and eluding.

Linting introduced the bill after several incidents affected her district. Earlier this year, two Southgate police officers were shot while responding to an incident involving a suspect who fled before being apprehended hours later. Wyandotte Police Chief Archie Hamilton has previously called for tougher laws on fleeing police pursuits, noting his department's involvement in numerous high-speed chases—one lasting nearly 20 minutes across five cities.

“Nobody in the state has been going to prison for flee and elude alone,” Hamilton said during testimony before the committee with Linting last month. “I’ve had the luxury of interviewing dozens and dozens of people who have fled from the police. They do view this as a free pass to go commit whatever criminal activity they choose. They will actually make the chase more dangerous. They will intentionally go into oncoming traffic. They’ll intentionally increase speeds and intentionally find congested areas to increase the danger because they think there’s no consequence.”

“Stronger sentencing guidelines will protect innocent people and their families and keep more from becoming victims,” Linting said. “Local law enforcement and prosecutors have consistently called for more leeway to curb this dangerous conduct, and it’s time we act on those concerns.”

The bill now moves forward for consideration by the full House.